Ibarra keeps on winning and fulfilling goals

If there's one thing that stands about Imperial High School track and field standout Gabriel Ibarra, it's that he's committed to fulfilling his goals.

Ibarra has set goals for each of his last few track seasons and he's come pretty close to accomplishing each and every one.

By realizing his goals, Ibarra has not only set personal records and helped the Imperial boys squad to victories, but he has become one of the best track athletes in the Imperial Valley.

Ibarra proved his worth again last week, finishing with six total wins in two meets. He could have had eight victories, but because of an injured right knee he pulled out of two events.

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On May 1, Ibarra led Imperial to first place in a quad meet against Holtville, Mountain Empire and Julian. Ibarra won the 110-meter hurdles in 14.97 seconds, the 300 hurdles in 41.16, the long jump at 20 feet, 4 inches and the triple jump at 40-2.

The quad meet marked a personal record in the 110 hurdles and it was the first time Ibarra had ever won four events.

"I was feeling good that day. I was real pleased with how I did getting those four wins," said the 18-year-old senior. "Before the meet I was just focusing on all my events and getting ready.

"I had never won four events before, so I think this was kind of redemption for me," Ibarra said. "I kind of knew that I could do it because I had run against those schools before. So I felt good about my chances."

He followed that performance on Wednesday by winning the 110 hurdles (16.3) and the 300 hurdles (44.0) at the Calvin Christian tri-meet in Escondido.

With his two wins at Calvin Christian, Ibarra upped his individual win total this season to 33, already eclipsing his 20-win season of a year ago.

Said Tiger coach Wolfgang Horner: "Gabriel's a goal-setter. He sets realistic goals and can usually accomplish them. One of his next goals is to qualify for state and I think he does have a realistic shot at that.

"Overall, I really believe Gabriel brings a lot to this team as a leader and example for the younger athletes and as an athlete who can get us points when we need them. I've been very happy to have him on this team and I still think there is a lot of growth potential for him to get even better."